I've seen a lot of debate over horsing and channeling in regards to Northern tradition. Some people have the stance that it is flat out impossible to horse, or channel, any deity. Others have the extreme stance that anyone can horse, or channel, any deity they choose to. Some are moderate, believing only some people are able to connect to a deity to that level and channel them- and that the deity has to want to be horsed, or initiate the horsing.

What is your opinion on horsing, and channeling, in regards to Northern traditions?

I have an friend who is Asatru who I have personally seen "horse" Odin on more than one occasion.

I have "horsed" several different Goddesses over the year in my Wiccan practices. In my opinion, one should never try to channel any Deity unless they already have a strong affinity and relationship with that Deity. When I am channeling one of the Goddesses I do not recall any of what the Goddess said or did while she was riding me. That requires a level of familiarity and trust that it takes time and familiarity to develop. When I first began channeling I was not able to open that fully, but letting go of control to another entity, even a Goddess I knew well was not an easy thing to do. In the Tradition in which I initially trained, such work was not taught or attempted until one had reached 3rd Degree, and in our Trad that meant after 7-10 years of training and practice.

I agree with Lark, you need to be close to the divinity otherwise it is not a great experience for you when you horse.

I believe anyone can horse but on certain occasions. You cannot sit down first try and expect to channel a divinity. However, if a deity wants to horse you it will. Odin has done this to me and it was a very odd situation. Other than that I do not have a whole lot of experience in that regard. However I plan to channel Thor soon so I am looking forward to that.

I believe that if you wish to horse a deity, learn about that deity, tell someone you trust what you plan to do, and then take your time.

As far as channelling, I have only really done so with deities I have a connection to or have done a lot of work with, so I really have no knowledge or oppinions as far as doing so with other deities. Its just my preference. Though i have channeled. A variety of other spirits and entities without any such connection on many occasions

I think everyone has the potential to be a horse but I don't think everyone is actually capable of horsing. For some people I feel like it would be too much for them, wear them down mentally/physically. For others I don't think they could get into the right mindset. I believe a deity could use anyone as a horse if they wanted, but I think for it to work best it has to be a two way street and there are just some people that I think horsing is very very unlikely for. On top of that, you cannot force a horsing to occur. So I believe with some people it's very unlikely to happen for them.

I think before channeling there are things a Horse should do. I feel it's important to know *who* you're going to be horsing. I would suggest building up a strong relationship with the deity you intend to try and horse. There has to be a lot of trust there before you hand over the reigns, so to speak. I understand that some people seem to horse naturally, and for them they may not always feel they have a choice or time to get to know the deity beforehand, but that's my personal preference. You wouldn't let a stranger into your house without knowing them somewhat, right? Same concept there.

As for what you said, Lark, about not recalling what happens when being ridden- I've heard of that too, frequently. In the horsing I've done I've felt like I was a passenger in the backseat or trunk of a car. I feel at first like I'm present, but that I'm not the main presence, and there are words I am saying but I'm not the one saying them and I'm unable to hear the conversation. By the end of it, I don't recall seeing anything or doing anything. I think it depends the level of horsing you're doing.

I agree with everything that was said. Though one thing I would just like to add is I believe that if people start to try and force a horsing, which is not something you can do because the deities are the ones in charge, but the person who is trying to force it ends up missing the whole purpose is of it, you start to go down the road of making it for your own sake rather then making it about the deity and it being a sacred act. I believe that sometimes there can be a fine line between why your wanting to do this.

In my opinion,horsing is only possible if you truly are close with the deity that you choose to horse,I've heard cases of people trying to horse a deity that they feel very much close to but they failed,even after a long time. So I guess that a successful horsing does not only depend on the person but also the deity.

I don't know much about horsing "destructive" deities,I guess it could give you a scratch or two in the beginning.

I have found it is possible but its easier and more pleasant when you have a close connection or work with the deity. I think as himans its hard for us to give up on controle and thats why its so hard for some to channel a God or Goddess, or even spirits.